SOLE | ChanLix AU

Side Story | Hidden

[A/N: This would be narrated from 3rd person point of view. For reference, you may check the chapter prior to this. Just in case you may be confused about the story of Han and Hyunjin.]

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"I'm so sorry sweetheart, I'm sorry I couldn't be there to defend you," Han says as he cradles his lover in his arms. The other holding back his tears nuzzle his body in the warmth of Han's embrace. It had been a rough night for Hyunjin. He came to Han's house all beaten up, though it wasn't a surprising scenario to be seen. Han's heart aches every time this happens. 

Hyunjin grew up with a mother who started to neglect him after her miscarriage. While his father was too busy with their business that he barely goes home. To the point that he just sends money and never shows himself. Especially after losing their supposed youngest child, their daughter — Gia. The boy did his best to understand what his parents were going through and tried to look at the bright side. He still had a house to sleep in, he was able to go to school, and he had Han by his side. Hyunjin and Han's love story started in the 7th grade. After Han had offered him some food after their practice. Since then they had never left each other's side. To Hyunjin, Han was his remedy. Every pain and suffering he felt was relieved by Han. It was safe to say that the reason why he chose to still keep living was his lover. 

"I'll only stay here for the night, I don't want to bother you or your parents. Plus mom needs me at home." Hyunjin tells Han, the latter loves his mother so much. Despite how much she abuses him every day. There wasn't a night that passes that a new wound wouldn't appear on Hyunjin's body. He would go to school covered in band-aids and bruises. The teachers, principal, and even his classmates' parents wanted to intervene but he would stop them. He was offered to be adopted by numerous people. But he just couldn't leave his mother alone. 

After that night, Hyunjin didn't go to school the next day and the day after. Han and their other friends visited his house but the gates were locked and no one was answering. The worry started to raise after rumors spread through the neighborhood. That they could hear muffled screams coming from the Hwang residences. After about a week, the president and owner of the school which Hyunjin attends and also the first person who wanted to adopt him decided to call the police. After forcibly entering their house, they were welcomed by a horrid scene. Hyunjin's arms and legs were bound, and the bathroom where he was situated was covered from floor to ceiling with splatters of blood. He could barely open his eyes, his naked body was covered with more wounds and bruises than before. And the smell of the room was of rotten blood and urine. The boy was barely alive. To make matters worst, Hyunjin's mom was found lifeless inside her bedroom. She had committed suicide by overdosing on expired pills. 

"President Choi, the paper on Hwang Hyunjin's adoption has been finalized. You are now his legal guardian." The secretary of the school's president says. Mr. Choi just nodded as he looked at the unconscious body of Hyunjin. 

"Will he be my new brother?" the president's only child spoke up, as he too stared at Hyunjin. Mr.Choi shifts his gaze to the child, placing a hand on his left shoulder. 

"Yes, and I want you to take good care of him." He instructs the child, while the younger nods his head in agreement. He had always wanted a brother, and he found what he was looking for in Hyunjin. That is why after finding out about Hyunjin's situation, he immediately told his father about it. His father, being the kind man he is also wanted to help Hyunjin, and so legally, Hwang Hyunjin became Choi Hyunjin. The youngest son of the Choi-Shin group of companies and brother to Choi San. Next in line to be president and part of a group called ATEEZ. Which is an international group of companies currently having 7 members. The others namely, Hongjoong, Yeosang, Jongho, Mingi, Seonghwa, and Yunho. Hyunjin becoming part of the group makes him the 8th and final member.